AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Daphne laughed. “That was amazing, but not quite as exhilarating as the guys chasing us through the festival. Buying the dresses and head wraps was a brilliant idea. We blended right in with the crowd.”
I had also come up with the idea of waiting until we immersed ourselves with the dancers before putting on our head wraps since August had only seen us buy the dresses.
Daphne stopped for a second and twirled around in her khanga dress, the vivid mix of turquoise and mango orange, embellished with geometric patterns, seemed to dance with her every movement.
“I just love mine,” she added. “And I have to say that you look quite fabulous. Enjoy it while it lasts, because I doubt you’ll be able to wear it back in Kastonia.”
“You never know,” I said with a grin.
I glanced at the reflection of my dress and head wrap in one of the store windows, absolutely loving the striking combination of ruby red and deep indigo, adorned with swirls and floral motifs.
I felt relaxed as we walked past the cozy cafes and little shops that were already closed for the night. The street lights cast warm glows onto the ancient cobblestones under our feet as we rounded the corner and the hotel came into view. I was looking forward to a good night’s sleep, but I still needed to figure out my next move regarding the continuing saga of August.
“Are you thinking of running again?” Daphne asked, chuckling, as if reading my mind. Before I could respond, she added, “Because, honestly, I’d really like to stay here for a while. There’s so much here I want to see.”
“The idea of staying is tempting,” I confessed.
“We need to go snorkeling around the coral reef and then visit the spice farm, for starters,” Daphne said. “And don’t you want to go explore one of the hidden beaches? Remember, the guys don’t know where we’re staying, plus we can always sneak out in the morning, if they do.”
“Just like we snuck out for the game drive in Kenya,” I pointed out. “They always seem to find us.”
Daphne laughed, brushing off the concern. “They’re harmless. It’s the Scum and Turd types you should worry about.”
“Kenny and Denny,” I corrected her with a chuckle, recalling our less-than-graceful admirers.
“There certainly is something macho about a man in purple Crocs,” Daphne smirked. “I mean, out of all the colors they could have chosen.”
Our laughter echoed softly off the walls as we entered the Park Hyatt, the cool air of the lobby washing over us. My jovial mood and smile faded, however, as we passed the lounge. There, sprawled comfortably in two of the earth tone armchairs, were August and Caleb, looking like they had been waiting there for us. Sabrina was standing nearby.
“How did you know we were staying here?” I demanded as I approached, my surprise turning quickly to annoyance.
August stood up, a calm, almost amused expression on his face.
“The picture,” Caleb replied simply.
“What picture?” I retorted, my confusion clear.
August gestured to our heads. “Wait—when did you get the hats? Were you wearing those near the main stage?”
“They’re called head wraps,” I smirked. “And the answer is yes.”
“That’s why we couldn’t find them!” Caleb said. “I was looking for Daphne’s beautiful hair and she had it covered up!”
“Imagine that,” she said with great satisfaction.
“Princess Veronica, you look gorgeous in that dress!” Sabrina interrupted, then attempted a bow that looked more like a nod with a half-curtsy. She dipped down awkwardly, her movements hesitant, as if unsure whether to commit to the full gesture. She straightened up almost immediately, her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink.
“May I hug the royalty?” Sabrina asked, her voice held a playful tone, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
I laughed, touched by her formality but eager to ease her discomfort. “I’ve told you before, stop being so formal with us, Sabrina. We’re all friends here.” I gave her a hug. “I can’t believe you’re here as well. What happened to the safari?”
She smiled. “We stole a ride on August’s private jet.”
“I still don’t understand how you found us,” I said. “What picture were you talking about?”
“The one Daphne texted me,” Caleb said, pulling out his phone and showing me a photo.
I studied the image of Daphne and me, each of us holding a drink, our smiles wide and carefree. “I saw this picture too, and I didn’t think it would give anything away.”
